Loss of strength following use of certain medications or substances. Often presenting with fatigue, lethargy, and difficulty performing ordinary tasks such as climbing stairs, walking, bending, or lifting. May be described as diminished muscular strength or general weakness. Substances that may cause weakness include alcohol, corticosteroids, stimulants, opioids, antihypertensives, antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, antihistamines, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, antidepressants, monoclonal antibody agents, anxiolytics, antigout agents, antidiabetics, and chemotherapeutic agents.
Management depends on the causative agents and the physiologic impairment. Adjusting medications, eliminating drug interactions, and monitoring thyroid levels and electrolytes, can help reduce the drug-induced adverse effects that cause weakness.
Related topic: Drug-Induced Fatigue
Drug-induced weakness
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Synopsis
Codes
ICD10CM:
R53.1 – Weakness
T50.995A – Adverse effect of other drugs, medicaments and biological substances, initial encounter
SNOMEDCT:
13791008 – Asthenia
278993004 – Drug-induced
R53.1 – Weakness
T50.995A – Adverse effect of other drugs, medicaments and biological substances, initial encounter
SNOMEDCT:
13791008 – Asthenia
278993004 – Drug-induced
Drug Reaction Data
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References
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Last Updated:01/17/2017
Drug-induced weakness